It was just three years ago that fresh-faced Freemantlers San Cisco burst onto the radio with their crispy garage-pop cut ‘Golden Revolver’. Since then, the four-piece have all outgrown their high school uniforms, becoming the first Australian band to sign to renowned American music label Fat Possum Records (Dinosaur Jr., The Black Keys, Wavves), releasing two EPs and a debut self-titled album, and trading Australia’s west coast to play sold-out shows at iconic venues around the US and Europe.
Drummer-cum-vocalist Scarlett Stevens says preparations for album number two have not been any easier, despite the experiences under their belt. “The dynamics have definitely changed a little bit and we’ve all had to adjust,” she says. “After touring non-stop last year, it had been ages since we had actually recorded with each other. This time round, it was like, ‘What did we do? What was our formula?’ So it was actually hard to find our feet and figure out how we do things.”
Trying to recreate their tried, tested and well-loved methods of creativity was simply not going to cut it, Stevens says. “The old formula was, like, all getting into a room and jamming and coming up with songs. It didn’t work anymore. It was more a case of Josh [Biondillo, guitar] and Jordi [Davieson, vocals] sitting down and showing each other song ideas and recording ideas. It was definitely more drawn-out and not as raw as getting together in the garage and jamming it out. It was more calculated – experimenting with different guitar tracks and sounds and getting inspired by those recordings.”
Last year’s ARIA Awards saw San Cisco receive a trifecta of nominations for their inaugural album, but it was the quirky call-and-response, ode-to-stalkers hit ‘Awkward’ that propelled them through the industry atmosphere. The song was written in just two hours, and Stevens says they are still pinching themselves over its success. “It definitely took us by surprise. It’s a funny song and we were glad that it came together and it happened because it gave us a leg up. It was just this freaky one-off thing. [It’s] cool that the video was a bit of a hit on YouTube.” And she’s right, with the view count now numbering 6.7 million.
San Cisco’s sophomore effort is set to see their clean melodies intersect with some snazzy sampling and electro soundscapes. Stevens insists, however, that they haven’t abandoned their lo-fi roots. “A lot of the songs started off being written on an iPad. We were definitely [making] the most of technology and I think that’s altered the sounds a little bit, but it’s still pop music and there’s still the jangly guitar riff and it’s still very upbeat. Jordi was listening to a lot of Frank Ocean and Kanye West and Justin Timberlake, so there’s a bit of an R&B [and electronic] vibe on some of the songs. All the key elements are there, it’s just a bit more of a progression, a step up.”
The album’s lead single ‘Run’ has already been making waves, and as for the mention of a certain ‘Isabella’ in the lyrics, Stevens hints that there may be some Swiftian shaming behind it. “Jordi will always draw on people around him and things he’s seen or nuances in people he doesn’t like. [He’s] really good at telling stories, and that’s always been a big part of what we do. [‘Run’ is] a bit made up and also based on an Isabella we know. Yeah… she’s a bad gal,” Stevens laughs.
With the new release due early next year, the band’s upcoming single tour will be everyone’s chance at a sneak peek. Though Stevens admits she can’t take credit for the catchy panting hook on the track, her saccharine vocals will be more present on this album than ever. “I was really bad at it. Jordi nailed it, but there’s a lot more of my voice, which is kind of cool. I’m excited about doing those songs live. I don’t know how I’m going to do them. I might have to get off the drum kit.”
Catch San Cisco alongside Gunns and Montaigne atMetro Theatre Thursday November 27 (tickets here) andSmall Ballroom, Newcastle Friday November 28 (tickets here).
